Fresh downed cherry tree

[Smokin3d]

I was out this morning turkey hunting ( no turkey ) and come across a fresh downed cherry tree that come down from a storm.
My ? Is does the wood have to be seasoned first before using it to smoke?
If so how long?

 

[Grampy]

I am sure someone else with more expertise will respond to this besides me. This time of year trees are very green and have a high moisture content. (Depending on where you are at in the US)  If you try to smoke with green wood you are going to end up with a bitter taste on your meat. The optimal moisture content for wood to be used in smokers (especially SI's) is between 20%-30%. This allows the wood to smolder instead of actually burning. So, my advice would be to buy/borrow a moisture meter and go by moisture content rather than time.

 

[swthorpe]

+1, yes you will need to season the wood before use.  I am not sure, though, how much time you will need to get to the right moisture content.

 

[DivotMaker]

Great find!  Yes, you'll need to cut the wood into logs for seasoning (drying).  Place them in a cool, dry place (like a garage), stacked with good airflow around them.  I have this moisture meter:

Dr. Meter Moisture Meter

It works great!  You want to bring "green" wood down to 20-30% moisture content before using in the smoker.  That's optimal, for smoking wood.  Once the logs get close, split them and cut into chunks that will fit in your smoke box.  Monitor the moisture, and get your smoke on!

 

[Smokin3d]

Ok thanks guys but I need more info on where to by and brand of a moisture meter!

 

[Smokin3d]

Oops over looked your link there tony.
Thanks

 

[DivotMaker]

No problem, John!  The meter works well, and you can't beat that it's under $20!

 

[Smokin3d]

Got my dr moisture meter today and your right the wood chunks I buy from Wally World are dry!!!!!! Showing 0 - 1% moisture and and the downed cherry tree shows bout 18%
But I still have to say that I get a great smoke flavor from the dried wood from Wally World.
I guess I will have to buy some good wood and try to see if I can tell a difference.

 

[Hink]

If your wood is that dry would you soak it to add some moisture? My buddy just gave me some fresh cherry and apple he cut down does the bark need to be removed or can I leave it on? Thanks

 

[SuperDave]

Hink, 90% of my wood is from tree trimming or friends that remove trees from their yard. I just slice into medallions with my table saw and leave the bark on.

 

[AlinMA]

Got my dr moisture meter today and your right the wood chunks I buy from Wally World are dry!!!!!! Showing 0 - 1% moisture and and the downed cherry tree shows bout 18%

Just  a note of caution......The measuring range for the moisture meter is 5 to 40% RH. Any reading less than 5% is suspect.

 

[DivotMaker]

Just  a note of caution......The measuring range for the moisture meter is 5 to 40% RH. Any reading less than 5% is suspect.

Let's just say "any reading less than 5% is unacceptable for smoking."